KABUL, Afghanistan – The death toll from a series of earthquakes in Afghanistan has been revised to “over 1000” by a Taliban-run ministry, significantly lower than the initial count of over 2400 by the Afghan National Disaster Management Authority. The earthquakes, which struck on October 13, have caused widespread destruction in the region.
The Taliban-run ministry did not provide a specific number of casualties, but their revised death toll indicates a significant difference from the initial count. The earthquakes, with magnitudes ranging from 4.8 to 5.6, have left thousands of people homeless and in urgent need of aid.
The government’s ability to provide accurate death toll figures has been hampered by the remote and mountainous terrain where the earthquakes occurred. As a result, it has taken time for officials to assess the extent of the damage and accurately count the number of casualties.
The earthquakes have also disrupted communication and transportation infrastructure in the affected areas, further complicating relief efforts. As a result, humanitarian organizations are struggling to reach and assist those in need.
The revised death toll has raised concerns about the government’s ability to respond effectively to natural disasters, especially in areas controlled by the Taliban. The discrepancy in the casualty figures has led to criticism of the government’s disaster management capabilities.
Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to provide aid to those affected by the earthquakes. However, the revised death toll underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in Afghanistan.
As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the earthquakes, it is crucial for the government and humanitarian organizations to work together to ensure that affected communities receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.